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Concerning comments and corruption allegations: What’s hot in law this week (13–17 Jan)
This week, two major plaintiff firms promoted dozens of practitioners to new roles, and the new Attorney-General in Queensland has moved to amend “manifestly inadequate” sentences in a handful of cases. Here is your weekly round-up of the biggest stories for Australia’s legal profession.
Lawyers Weekly
For the week from 13 to 17 January, these were the 10 most-read stories on Lawyers Weekly (in case you missed them):
1. ACT barrister struck off after throwing lawyers under the bus
The ACT Supreme Court found there was a “solid foundation” to remove a barrister and solicitor from the roll, including for his unfounded willingness to shift blame onto other practitioners.
2. Counsel referred to disciplinary body for ‘woeful’ conduct
A Federal Court referred a barrister to the Legal Services Commissioner for his “woeful preparation” in parenting proceedings, including his ironic failure to review material about his lack of preparedness.
3. Struck-off lawyer holds fast to sensational corruption allegations
A former lawyer doubled down on the “scandalous and vexatious” allegations about the Chief Justice and other Supreme Court judges that saw him kicked out of the profession a year ago.
4. Supreme Court criticises Sydney firm over its handling of interstate case
A Supreme Court judge has hit out at an interstate law firm for failing to understand or review its procedural rules.
5. Maurice Blackburn promotes 49, including 5 to principal
National law firm Maurice Blackburn has unveiled its 2025 promotions round, with five lawyers being elevated to principal level.
6. Lawyer loses practising certificate for moves against mother’s hospital
A qualified lawyer without a practising certificate landed in hot water when he attempted to bring a habeas corpus application against a Melbourne hospital that had been treating his mother.
7. AAT member stereotypes Indians in concerning comments
A member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal had his visa decision tossed out after he made several concerning statements, including a stereotypical claim about Indian chefs.
National plaintiff firm Shine Lawyers has promoted 47 individuals to more senior roles.
9. Ethical dilemmas facing lawyers this year
As lawyers navigate an era marked by heightened social expectations and complex moral landscapes, an ethics expert delves into the pressing dilemmas practitioners must face moving forward.
10. Qld A-G seeks to overturn ‘inadequate’ sentences
Appeals have been filed in two high-profile Queensland crimes after the Attorney-General found the sentences “manifestly inadequate”.
